Metabolism is the chemical process by which food is converted into energy. There are multiple chemical processes involved in metabolism. Certain minerals and vitamins can boost this process. Also, what one consumes greatly influences the speed and quality of their metabolism. Therefore, consuming foods rich in certain minerals and vitamins can seriously increase one’s energy throughout the day. Here are some of the vitamins and minerals that boost one’s metabolism: 1. B vitamins This family of vitamins is critical for energy metabolism in the body. Essentially, if one does not consume these vitamins, they may have digestive issues. The various B vitamins are B-12, biotin, folate, B-6, pantothenic acid, or B-5, niacin, or B-3, riboflavin, or B-2, and thiamine, or B-1. Out of these vitamins, B-12 is responsible for the metabolism of fats and proteins. Vitamins B-6 and folate help facilitate this process. Thiamine enables metabolizing carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, while B-6 helps metabolize some key proteins. Vitamin B-rich foods include whole grains, dairy products, eggs, lean meats, seafood, nuts, seeds, spinach, potatoes, squash, bananas, apples, grapes, and watermelons. 2. Vitamin C Vitamin C is used up by the body when a person is stressed. At the same time, the body releases a lot of cortisol when a person is stressed.

Respiratory viruses are a global health concern, leading to many illnesses and diseases that can be prevented cautiously. These viruses usually spread through contact with contaminated spaces, airborne droplets, aerosols, and similar mediums. Some public places can be at high risk for spreading such respiratory viruses, and it is essential to be careful of such spaces. Here are a few places where viruses can spread rapidly: 1. Public transport Nearly everyone takes public transportation, if not within the city, but to travel outside the city, country, or continent. This involves going through crowded spaces, buses, airplanes, and trains. These are often hotspots for disease spreading, as public transport mediums are always filled with people. They are poorly ventilated, so respiratory droplets can easily infect anyone. There are frequent touchpoints, like surfaces like seats, handrails, and even door panels. 2. Entertainment venues Places like concert halls, sports arenas, theaters, and wedding venues are a few examples of high-risk zones for respiratory viruses. Activities like singing and cheering can release more respiratory droplets in the air, which can easily affect some people. If it is an indoor seating venue, the ventilation is not good enough to filter out the toxins, and it does not help that all the people are sitting near each other, which increases the risk of transmission.

Lactose and gluten are the new buzzwords in the health market. Despite their popularity, many people still need clarification on what the terminologies mean and their ramifications on specific health conditions. Also, since digestive problems are rising, there has been significant research and development in food alternatives. This article explores one of the most popular alternatives, i.e., lactose-free milk – and why it may be a sound choice for many. What is lactose-free milk? Many people experience abdominal issues such as bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain after consuming regular milk. This health condition is known as lactose intolerance. It occurs due to the sugar ‘lactose’ found in dairy products like milk, cheese, and ice cream, which can be difficult to digest. It may be caused due to genetic factors or due to illness or injury to the small intestine. As a solution to this, companies began producing lactose-free milk, that is, regular milk without lactose. Most lactose-free milk contains 0.1% or less of lactose. This is achieved by processing milk to remove most of its lactose content and adding lactase to cow’s milk. Lactase helps break down lactose content in the body, making it easier for people to consume and digest milk.

Lactose, a naturally occurring sugar in dairy products, can pose digestion challenges for certain individuals, especially as one grows older, causing allergic reactions. Hence, swapping regular milk for lactose-free milk can be an excellent solution. Lactose-free milk gives the same creamy texture as milk but is easy on the digestive system. Here are some types and advantages of lactose-free milk and tips on how to find the best ones that suit one’s needs. Types of lactose-free milk Oat, almond, soy, hemp, coconut, rice, and cashew milk are the most popular plant-based and lactose-free options. Each of these alternatives is rich in nutrients, including minerals like potassium and magnesium, vitamins D, B, and E, iron, calcium, amino acids, and antioxidants. Similarly, lactose-free cow’s milk undergoes additional processing to reduce its lactose content significantly. Benefits of lactose-free milk Here are a few benefits of lactose-free milk: Digestive comfort and allergy-friendly Consuming regular milk can cause bloating, cramps, and diarrhea for individuals with lactose intolerance. Lactose-free milk contains little to no lactose, making it gentler on the stomach and allowing people to enjoy milk without discomfort. Nutritional value Many lactose-free milk products are fortified with essential nutrients, such as calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12.

Clothes do more than just enhance one’s look – they protect the body from external factors and provide warmth and comfort. Thus, while shopping for outfits, it is important to consider not only the esthetic appeal but also the fit, durability, comfort, and texture. With a variety of outfits available today, fashionistas are spoilt for choice in every outfit category. In this scenario, it makes sense to avoid certain types of clothes that may affect one’s overall health: Underwire bras Although underwire bras are intended to uplift and support the breasts, these bras increase one’s risk of skin conditions like rashes and fungal infections. They can also cause problems like chest and neck pain and block milk ducts among lactating mothers. Hence, it is advisable to limit the use of underwire bras, replacing them with comfortable wireless cotton bras, bralettes, and sports bras, among other options. Tight jeans Skinny jeans may accentuate one’s figure and enhance one’s appeal, but their continuous friction with the skin may cause potential skin problems like rashes. Moreover, tight jeans can prevent blood circulation and trigger nerve and muscle damage. Trying alternative types of trousers, such as palazzos, capris, and culottes, is a good idea.

Sickle cell crisis, also called vaso-occlusive crisis, is a painful and potentially life-threatening episode that occurs in individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD). This type of blood disorder is caused by an abnormal genetic mutation. The condition affects one’s hemoglobin and turns the shape of red blood cells into sickle-shaped cells, leading to restricted blood flow, anemia, and increased risk of infections. Understanding the warning signs of sickle cell crisis is important. Intense pain and headaches Sickle cell crisis brings excruciating pain, often accompanied by headache or dizziness. Individuals experiencing a crisis describe the pain as sharp, throbbing, and unbearable. This pain can occur anywhere in the body but is most commonly felt in the bones and joints. It can be so severe that it interferes with daily activities, making it impossible to ignore. Muscular weakness and swelling Muscular or general weakness can manifest in various parts of the body during sickle cell crisis, making it difficult to move some parts of one’s body or perform everyday tasks. It can also be due to swelling of hands and feet or localized swelling that can be tender or painful to the touch. These symptoms mainly occur because the sickle cells get stuck in the small vessels and block blood flow.

Those at risk of kidney cancer may find that while it begins in this organ, it may eventually spread to other body parts. Therefore, it is crucial to identify such mutations and seek healthcare assistance at the earliest. There are various tell-tale signs of kidney cancer that one may often overlook or mistake for another condition. On that note, here are nine early indicators of kidney cancer to help one manage it immediately. Hematuria This symptom is where one may notice blood in the urine, which could occur due to kidney cancer. Damage caused to the organ by mutated cells might result in bleeding, which gets mixed with urine. One may not always notice blood while urinating, so even the faintest indication may require healthcare attention. Lump or swelling As the kidney cancer progresses, it might become more physically present. It means one might feel a lump or swelling in the area of the kidneys. Sometimes, the cancer might be too small to detect and may require an ultrasound to detect it. Pain in the side between the ribs and hip One may experience pain in the side between their ribs and hip for several reasons, including an injury or infection.

Seizures are a serious neurological condition that occurs due to an imbalance of electrical activity in the brain. Many causal factors lead to the onset of seizures. Due to a seizure, one may even lose consciousness and be at risk of an injury. Recognizing the early signs of seizures is important so that one can take the necessary steps to manage the condition effectively and safeguard themselves from unprecedented events. Aura sensations Aura sensations can vary from person to person. These sensations can include a weird feeling in the stomach, experiencing unusual smells and tastes, experiencing visual distortions (of lights, colors, or shapes), or a strong sense of déjà vu. The déjà vu sensation refers to when one feels like they’ve been in the same situation before. This sensation can occur minutes or seconds before a seizure. Headaches Generally, headaches can occur due to various reasons. But if one experiences frequent headaches without any cause, it may likely be a warning sign of seizures. Often, headaches may also occur during and after the seizure episode. Constant stares Brief episodes where a person seems to “zone out” or stare into space without responding to their surroundings can be indicative of a seizure.